Overview of the Creature’s Actions in Frankenstein
In Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein, the creature brought to life by Victor Frankenstein does many things that drive the plot and explore ethical questions about creation, responsibility, and society. The monster’s story is framed as a narrative within the larger cautionary tale, and his behavior shifts from hopeful engagement with humanity to vengeful violence after repeated rejection. Understanding what the creature does—and why—requires tracing his development from first moments of consciousness to his final acts in the Arctic. This evergreen explanation outlines his key deeds, motivations, and the consequences that make the novel endure as a study of alienation and moral accountability.
Initial Awakening and First Reactions
Immediately after his animation, the creature begins to observe and learn. He studies fire, feels sensations, and experiments with his surroundings, displaying curiosity and a desire to understand how the world works. When he discovers a cottage and watches a poor family, he starts to educate himself by observing their lessons, learning language, reading books, and internalizing complex ideas about society, love, and justice. These early actions show a sentient being reaching toward knowledge and connection. His first direct encounters with humans, however, result in violence and fear, which mark the beginning of his tragic cycle of rejection and retaliation.
Finding Shelter and Learning Language
The creature locates an abandoned hut near the cottage and uses scraps from the family’s home to create a rudimentary shelter. He watches the cottagers—De Lacey, his son Agatha, and an unnamed companion—as they teach a blind old man, leading to lessons that expand his mind and empathy. By overhearing and practicing phrases, he begins to speak and comprehend human emotions. This period of learning represents the creature’s potential for good, yet it also highlights his vulnerability when he is suddenly discovered and attacked, reinforcing his growing bitterness toward humankind.
Key Actions and Events in the Narrative
The creature’s major actions unfold in several critical episodes that shape the plot of Frankenstein. These include his desperate attempt to befriend the blind old man, his emotional response to discovering fire’s danger, his murder of William Frankensten, the framing of Justine, and his escalating demands that Victor create a companion. Each action is closely tied to his emotional state and his belief that only by forcing Victor to understand his suffering can he achieve any form of justice. Below is a concise overview of these deeds and their significance.
| Action or Event | Verified Detail or Outcome | Source/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Murder of William Frankenstein | The boy is found strangled near the family’s Geneva home; the creature places the locket on the victim’s person. | Novel text; indicting evidence against Justine |
| Framing of Justine | Justine is accused of murder after the locket surfaces; she is convicted and executed despite her innocence. | Court testimony in the novel; tragic miscarriage of justice |
| Demand for a Companion | The creature bargains with Victor to create a female, threatening further violence if refused. | Monster’s explicit dialogue in the Alps; leverage over Victor’s moral fear |
| Killing of Henry Clerval | Henry is found murdered on the Orkneys; the creature leaves clues implicating Victor indirectly. | Victor’s account; escalation of the creature’s revenge pattern |
| Final Arctic Confrontation | The creature boards Walton’s ship and recounts his life story, then departs into the ice. | Frame narrative; closure of the creature’s spoken testimony |
Motivations Behind the Creature’s Behavior
The creature’s actions are propelled by a deep sense of abandonment and a longing for belonging. After being cast out by the De Laceys and then by Victor, he develops a philosophy of vengeance, deciding that he will make Victor suffer as he has suffered. His demand for a companion is not mere greed but a plea to end his isolation; he believes that shared suffering could temper his rage. Yet his methods—murder and manipulation—raise questions about moral responsibility. The novel asks whether a creator who abandons its creation can justly expect obedience, and whether vengeance is an acceptable response to unrelenting rejection.
Philosophical Underpinnings of His Choices
Philosophically, the creature embodies the tension between nature and nurture. Initially benevolent and curious, he is shaped by violence and neglect, which leads him to conclude that humans are only capable of cruelty. His argument that ‘I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend’ captures the novel’s exploration of how environment influences morality. This complexity is why readers debate whether he is a monster by nature or by circumstance, and why his demands for empathy remain unsettling yet understandable within the story’s context.
Consequences of the Creature’s Actions
The repercussions of the creature’s deeds extend far beyond individual deaths. Victor’s family is decimated, his reputation is ruined, and he is left physically and mentally broken. Society at large is affected through the trial of Justine and the climate of fear surrounding the mysterious killings. Victor’s pursuit of the creature across Europe and into the Arctic reflects the inescapability of responsibility: Victor created life and thus becomes accountable for its welfare. The creature’s narrative also influences later interpretations of parental duty, scientific ethics, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. These themes contribute to the novel’s reputation as a foundational work of science fiction and gothic literature.
Long-Term Cultural Impact and Interpretation
Over two centuries since its publication, what the creature does in the novel continues to inform discussions about artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and social alienation. Adaptations in film, theater, and television often emphasize different aspects of his character—sometimes portraying him as a tragic victim, other times as a brutal antagonist—but the core of his story remains Shelley’s examination of accountability. Modern readers frequently draw parallels between the creature’s exclusion and contemporary debates on otherness, immigration, and human rights. The persistence of these discussions underscores the depth of his actions and their lasting relevance in culture and ethics.
Conclusion on the Creature’s Role in the Novel
Ultimately, the creature in Frankenstein does what any profoundly wronged being might do when stripped of compassion and community: he seeks justice on his own terms, with devastating results. His story is not simply one of evil deeds but of a complex interplay between creator and creation, neglect and fury, isolation and desire for connection. By presenting his actions through multiple perspectives, Shelley ensures that readers continue to wrestle with difficult questions about responsibility, empathy, and the consequences of playing god. This layered portrayal is what maintains the novel’s power and explains why the question of what the monster does remains central to its enduring appeal.